The following metaphor is reputedly written by David Kamerschen, a professor of economics at the University of Georgia. In it, Kamerschen makes a convincing case for equal taxation, one that I generally agree with.

But those substantial tax credits (read: the distribution of wealth) that I receive every year just for having kids are really, really nice. So consider me undecided on the matter (wink, wink).

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this: Continue reading…

Though I used to be a Nike man, I now fly the Puma flag and have for the last five years. It’s Romas or die, for me. But what about you? What’s your preferred maker of athletic shoes? Do tell.

… The world financial markets fall more than they would have, because financial markets are based entirely on confidence. And when you have intimidating officials like President Bush and McBama spreading FUD like, “the worst economic crisis since the great depression,” fickle investors will believe them, and global bank markets struggle.

I’m not saying there wasn’t a partial bomb to begin with — there was thanks to a greedy and irresponsible Wall Street — but that still doesn’t mean top officials can frighten the public with said statements just to bail out their Wall Street buddies who donated lots of money for special interest (which they succeeded in getting this time).  Just like yelling “Bomb!” in an airport is illegal, so should it be for individuals in power crying “depression” just to get there way.

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Lindsey and I are going to the Real Salt Lake stadium opener on Thursday, and I’m pretty stoked after seeing these newly released photos. In my life time, I’ve only seen soccer from a distance in make-shift football stadiums. Should be fun.

More pics after the jump…

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[Via email. Thanks, Tim.]

Lindsey and I needed to run some errands on Saturday, while Sadie, our three year-old, was napping. Instead of waiting for her to awake from her slumber, we hired a babysitter for a an hour and opted to take Maddie (our one year-old) with us.

While I enjoyed the one-on-one time with Maddie, Lindsey and I immediately mourned Sadie’s temporary absence. It was the first time I can remember that the both of us voluntarily left one of our children behind — or at least it felt that way.

One parent with one child is one thing, but I don’t like the feeling of knowing that another member of our near-complete family could have been present. Anyone with two or more kids feel the same?

Answer: They all support $700 billion bailouts for reckless Wall Street investment banks. And they don’t care if taxpayers absorb the mistake, because taxpayers pay said officials’ mortgages.

I’m no conspiracy theorist, but if that’s not proof that Wall Street has its hand in the pockets of big politicians, more so than normal, I don’t know what is.

And you’re kidding yourself if you think this country still runs a two-party system. There is no such thing as “Decision 2008.” McBama (aka big government) is going to win.

Nevertheless, make your voice be heard and write-in Ron Paul for president. If he siphons even just one or two states from The Nationalist Party next month, the publicity will further propel his message of the Constitution, free markets, greater state power, and responsible spending necessary to save the dollar.

Here’s how, in three painless steps:

1. Search your elected officials here using your zip code
2. Select “president and congress officials.” For today, click on all representatives and email them under the contact tab (Utah residents should email Rep. Cannon at cannon.ut03@mail.house.gov)
3. Paste the following email using “Vote ‘against’ the revised $700 billion Wall Street bailout” as the subject.
   Rep. [last name]

   On behalf of friends, family, and my influence as a local blogger, please vote against the revised $700 Wall Street bailout this Friday (Oct 3).

   Thank you,[You name]
   [city, state]

The whole process from start to finish will only require a minute of your time, but you must act today! Isn’t saving the dollar easy?

At the recommendation of my surgeon, I started doing calisthenics this week in an effort to stretch my healing back and start building my core (so my lower discs don’t have to work so hard). I also need to lose more weight — I currently weigh 212 lbs. Not so fun fact: I weighed 185 at my wedding five years ago. But I digress.

After almost three months of atrophy, I’m amazed how quickly the human body becomes unfit. I’m breathing like crazy after only 10 push ups, whereas three months ago I was in the best shape I’ve been since high school. But I must say, the stretching and light work outs alleviate the lingering pain in my leg caused by a once flattened sciatic nerve. Is nice!

I’m anxious to get back to running, but have to wait another month before doing so. So have you been exercising? Tsk, tsk.